All things bright & graphic, this is the next big trend that is slowly filtering it’s way down to the interiors market.  I don’t know if you remember, but we published a trend story on graphic and digital prints last year when it was popular with fashion.  Brights is something that has been around for a while but now it’s being combined with graphic prints, also look out for bold and crazy illustrations on textiles and furniture; there are going to be some shocking designs coming your way, here is a good example of what I am talking about, this a great piece in the ES by Barbara Chandler.  Major retailers and independent designers such as Zoe Murphy are at the forefront of this look.  Zoe, takes ordinary pieces of furniture and adorns them with cool illustrative images and transfers using a bold and clashing palette of pink, red and orange, I am a huge fan of her chest of drawers (image below).  Another favourite of mine is Rachel Gornall, who makes hand dyed stitched textiles.  I saw her work at Origin this year and it was simply stunning.  Then of course there was the Anthony Hartley chair at LDF, that everyone was talking about.  Anthony’s work is so current and best of all every multicoloured piece has its own unique colour sequence, its DNA, which is authenticated and registered to its new owner, my favourite piece is the Edna 1, it has the bright multi colored drawers but with a simple wooden casing – ‘Like’  The chairs are from Emeco, handmade from 80% recycled Aluminum.  Apparently it takes 77 steps to get there but it means that they are designed to last for 150 years, that’s some promise!

Rachel Gornall

Gill Wilson

My favourites from Decorex 2011… Key trends from the show: mustard, purple, wood, Danish design, wool, graphic, wallpaper, pattern, retro

Credits: Charlotte James,Pinch,Maze Creative Concepts, Harlequin wallcoverings, Calvin Klein Rugs, Barneby Gates, Crafted, The Rug Company, Arabella Mcnie homeware, Aram, Louise Body, Moroccan Tiles & Interiors

Credits from top: Aram, Louise Body, Pinch

A firm trend on the runways for the past year is colour blocking; a trend which I would love to also see being experimented with in interior styling. The key to success with this style? Keep the combination to 3 or 4 bold, pure colours paired with a neutral for some grounding. The results are an explosion of vibrancy! I like that this look can be adapted to just a corner study if you wanted or a whole living area if you were really brave! It’s a minimal look that also lends itself to the introduction of prints and other personal pieces. A few images below for inspiration…

Colour blocking on the runway, source Mariano Vivanco

Vibrant separates, source MCMagazine

Home in technicolor, source: Shrapnel Contemporary

Amy Chin beautifully mixes hues in her prop styling

Bright colours continue to be a key look for 2011.  As predicted in our trend forecast in 2010 (colour blocking feature) we are now starting to see this trend really come to light.  Nearly all of the high street stores, including BHS, Matalan, Next, Marks & Spencer & Habitat, have a bright and confident collection that will launch over the next few months.  If you want to create the look but are a bit scared of committing to a large piece of bright furniture then why not start out with some accessories to see how well they work within your room.  This will also avoid any costly mistakes.

Credits: Glass vases, mugs, clock, plastic tubs, cake stands all from the lovely Hambledon; yellow lamp, orange stool and yellow cube all from Habitat

Below are some fantastic examples of adding bright pieces of furniture.  If you live in a home with a neutral colour palette, this makes the perfect backdrop for introducing splashes of vibrant furniture such as dining chairs or a sofa.  You can see below how well these orange chairs work within this white kitchen.  Not only do they make a statement but they also bring personality and style to the room.  The same applies with the lime green sofa and chairs.  Although the sofa is not to my taste, you can see how successful the scheme is.

Credits: White & orange room: open-space-interior-design1234.freshhome, lime and white room: open-space-interior-design1234.freshhome

Credit: Bedding from Really Linda Barker